How to choose the right car
Vehicles used or new
By purchasing a used car, you can earn a lot of money. A new car depreciates rapidly in the early years and after 3 years, it should be only 60-70% of the original price. In fact, once you leave the dealership, your new vehicle is suddenly worth $ 1000 - 2000 $ less. It is true in general, a new car requires less maintenance in the early years, and most problems have occurred within the original warranty coverage period will be covered by the vehicle manufacturer. However, buying a new car does not always get the buyer perfection. A new car May come the problems associated with poor design or manufacturing defects that May have already been repaired during the warranty period if it is a used car. The same is true for all types of recalls and service campaigns.
Buying a used car is still a bit of a gamble - there is no guarantee that the car is no accident, the actual mileage, and was properly maintained. It May be some hidden problems like a worn automatic transmission or engine problems that May was not obvious when you test-led the car. Maintenance costs are higher for a used car and the manufacturer's warranty May be already expired. However, the cars are more reliable today and there are several ways to reduce the risks associated with the purchase of used cars. For example, you can check used car history and records have used a car properly inspected by a person well before buying. If the car is eligible, you can buy an extended warranty to protect yourself from unexpected repair costs. You can also opt for a manufacturer of certified used vehicle - many manufacturers now offer late model used cars certified under new programs where they control and restore qualified cars and often provide an additional guarantee with them. Visit our used car buying guide for more tips.
Security
There is no perfectly safe car, but some models can better protect yourself in case of accident.
Some vehicles offer features May help you avoid an accident in the first place. You can compare the ratings crash test car and find other information relating to security online at the following address:
NHTSA - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration site where you can find information on automobile safety tests automobile collisions, statistics, and recalls.
SaferCar.gov - crash test and rollover rate specific models by NHTSA
IIHS - the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety site where you can compare frontal offset and side impact test results shock and trauma, collision and theft losses and the death rates for different cars.
Reliability
Reliability is one of the most important factors to consider if you decided to opt for a used car. Not all cars are the same. Some models have proved very reliable, others are known for constant problems. As it is a used vehicle, the guarantee of origin is probably more and you want the model is more reliable. There are a number of resources where you can check the reliability rate of certain models:
MSN Autos - follow the link "used cars".
JD Power and Associates - they offer new and used car ratings.
Consumer Reports - is an excellent data (service fee required)
However, be aware, even the most reliable model car will not last long if not maintained properly.
The fuel economy
With volatile gas prices, choosing the most fuel-efficient vehicles will help you save money at the pump. Do you know that the difference in annual fuel costs between two vehicles could be higher than $ 1500 - $ 2000?
Economic cars pollute less, which is good for the environment. By choosing the most economical vehicle that help you fight against global warming.
In addition, in some localities, there could be tax incentives for fuel efficient vehicles, and penalties for gas guzzlers, May you want to check if any of these apply in your state or province.
Here is our list of ten cars / SUVs with good fuel.
You can compare the fuel economy and pollution ratings different cars following links below:
For USA: fuel economy
For Canada: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency.
Cost of insurance
The cost of insurance varies greatly depending on the make, year, model and even the color of the car, and the experience of the driver and many other factors. I recommend to obtain insurance quotes before buying a car.
Follow the link online auto insurance quotes.
Make or model
I am often asked what brand or model that I recommend? I do not think there is a certain brand or model that is just perfect for everyone. It depends on what you can expect exactly your next vehicle and how much money you want to spend. For example, if you want a simple vehicle cheap to be reliable and cheap gas - check used Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic.
Looking for a luxury interior and smooth ride and willing to pay more expensive? -- Take a look at the new Mercedes-Benz or BMW.
Need a new mini that is comfortable and will not cost much? -- Check the Dodge Caravan.
You want something cheap gas and spacious, but not a mini? -- Pontiac Vibe is an excellent choice, and so forth.
In general terms, as reliability, fuel economy, quality and maintenance costs, I would like to emphasize that such models Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Honda Odyssey, Honda CR-V , Toyota Highlander and Toyota RAV4.
It is an excellent tool for decision-making MSN Autos. Follow the link "My research" where you can choose a few different models and compare their scores for reliability, fuel consumption, price, etc. (registration required).
Automatic or manual
Cars with manual transmission are cheaper. They are more powerful and more economical. A manual transmission is also more reliable than an automatic. The drivers experienced manual transmissions will tell you they like the way it allows the driver to feel "closer" to the car. It's just more fun! However, there remains much work to drive such a vehicle, and can be particularly difficult for the beginner. But do not be afraid. You can learn to drive such a vehicle within a few days. It is not as difficult as it sounds.
It is much easier to drive a car with automatic transmission. Automatic transmission is more practical in a city, in traffic jams, etc. But this is a more complex and breaks more often. The repair of an automatic transmission is complex and tends to be very costly. Regarding energy efficiency, a car with an automatic transmission consumes an average of 1.3 times more fuel than the same type of car with a manual transmission. When you buy a used car, the automatic transmission is one of the most important parts to verify - How to verify a transmission
Given a car with a diesel engine
Cars with diesel engines consume nearly half less fuel than the same car with a gasoline engine. However, there is a price to pay: diesel engines are a bit noisy and there will still not very pleasant smell of exhaust. Some diesel vehicles need only synthetic oil which means higher costs for maintenance. There are few diesel cars currently available in North America: Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz. However, with the constant improvement of diesel technology and increasing fuel prices more cars coming May.
Four or six-cylinder
Four-cylinder engines usually provide better fuel economy, but V6 and V8 generally have more power and just over sustainability. The V6 (or V8) engine will be a good choice if you want to use your car towing a trailer. For city normal driving, a four-cylinder engine will do.
Do I need ABS?
The four-wheel ABS or anti-lock Braking System is designed to help the driver maintain steering control during braking, especially in slippery conditions. How it works:
Imagine you are driving a car without ABS on a slippery road (for example after a rain or snow). Suddenly, you notice something on the road just in front of you. You click on the brakes and try to divert, but management does not work, just the car skids out of control. Why, because all the wheels are locked up while you're holding down the brake pedal. Therefore, you lose the ability to steer the vehicle.
From braking on snow without ABS
The four-wheel ABS can help in situations like this. It prevents the wheels locking up, helping you maintain direction during braking. In a similar situation, driving a car with four-wheel ABS, it would be easier for you to direct your vehicle braking.
If the slippery road conditions are common in your area, the ABS May be useful if you use it properly. The disadvantage is that ABS is fairly complicated device and can be expensive to repair.
Essential to know:
-- The four-wheel ABS system can help reduce slightly the braking distance in certain situations. However, under certain conditions (for example on the loose snow or gravel), the braking distance May be longer. The main objective of four-wheel ABS is to help the driver maintain steering capability when braking.
Is it worth buying a car "as is"?
I do not advice to buy such a car, even if the price seems to be very cheap and here is why:
Usually used as the car needs a lot more that repairs May, it seems at first glance. Just another example:
One of my friends bought a Honda twelve years. "It was drivable, but" minor body repair "is necessary. It is very cheap if - $ 1200. During the test safety problems were discovered and he had to spend another $ 600 for the brakes and suspension. To pass emission cost him more than $ 350 for new catalytic converter and developed. From repair bodywork added $ 500 on top. And after a week of driving another problem arose when - not in a compression of the bottle. Another stole $ 700 immediately. Finally, the total cost was nearly $ 4,000 (plus new audio system, battery, etc.) and nobody knows what and when will be broken next because usually once the car starts to have problems, it never ends .
For that money, he can buy much better car in perfect condition and certified emission tested without hassles and headaches. In conclusion, I suggest you look not for the cheapest car available
By purchasing a used car, you can earn a lot of money. A new car depreciates rapidly in the early years and after 3 years, it should be only 60-70% of the original price. In fact, once you leave the dealership, your new vehicle is suddenly worth $ 1000 - 2000 $ less. It is true in general, a new car requires less maintenance in the early years, and most problems have occurred within the original warranty coverage period will be covered by the vehicle manufacturer. However, buying a new car does not always get the buyer perfection. A new car May come the problems associated with poor design or manufacturing defects that May have already been repaired during the warranty period if it is a used car. The same is true for all types of recalls and service campaigns.
Buying a used car is still a bit of a gamble - there is no guarantee that the car is no accident, the actual mileage, and was properly maintained. It May be some hidden problems like a worn automatic transmission or engine problems that May was not obvious when you test-led the car. Maintenance costs are higher for a used car and the manufacturer's warranty May be already expired. However, the cars are more reliable today and there are several ways to reduce the risks associated with the purchase of used cars. For example, you can check used car history and records have used a car properly inspected by a person well before buying. If the car is eligible, you can buy an extended warranty to protect yourself from unexpected repair costs. You can also opt for a manufacturer of certified used vehicle - many manufacturers now offer late model used cars certified under new programs where they control and restore qualified cars and often provide an additional guarantee with them. Visit our used car buying guide for more tips.
Security
There is no perfectly safe car, but some models can better protect yourself in case of accident.
Some vehicles offer features May help you avoid an accident in the first place. You can compare the ratings crash test car and find other information relating to security online at the following address:
NHTSA - National Highway Traffic Safety Administration site where you can find information on automobile safety tests automobile collisions, statistics, and recalls.
SaferCar.gov - crash test and rollover rate specific models by NHTSA
IIHS - the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety site where you can compare frontal offset and side impact test results shock and trauma, collision and theft losses and the death rates for different cars.
Reliability
Reliability is one of the most important factors to consider if you decided to opt for a used car. Not all cars are the same. Some models have proved very reliable, others are known for constant problems. As it is a used vehicle, the guarantee of origin is probably more and you want the model is more reliable. There are a number of resources where you can check the reliability rate of certain models:
MSN Autos - follow the link "used cars".
JD Power and Associates - they offer new and used car ratings.
Consumer Reports - is an excellent data (service fee required)
However, be aware, even the most reliable model car will not last long if not maintained properly.
The fuel economy
With volatile gas prices, choosing the most fuel-efficient vehicles will help you save money at the pump. Do you know that the difference in annual fuel costs between two vehicles could be higher than $ 1500 - $ 2000?
Economic cars pollute less, which is good for the environment. By choosing the most economical vehicle that help you fight against global warming.
In addition, in some localities, there could be tax incentives for fuel efficient vehicles, and penalties for gas guzzlers, May you want to check if any of these apply in your state or province.
Here is our list of ten cars / SUVs with good fuel.
You can compare the fuel economy and pollution ratings different cars following links below:
For USA: fuel economy
For Canada: The Bureau of Energy Efficiency.
Cost of insurance
The cost of insurance varies greatly depending on the make, year, model and even the color of the car, and the experience of the driver and many other factors. I recommend to obtain insurance quotes before buying a car.
Follow the link online auto insurance quotes.
Make or model
I am often asked what brand or model that I recommend? I do not think there is a certain brand or model that is just perfect for everyone. It depends on what you can expect exactly your next vehicle and how much money you want to spend. For example, if you want a simple vehicle cheap to be reliable and cheap gas - check used Toyota Corolla or Honda Civic.
Looking for a luxury interior and smooth ride and willing to pay more expensive? -- Take a look at the new Mercedes-Benz or BMW.
Need a new mini that is comfortable and will not cost much? -- Check the Dodge Caravan.
You want something cheap gas and spacious, but not a mini? -- Pontiac Vibe is an excellent choice, and so forth.
In general terms, as reliability, fuel economy, quality and maintenance costs, I would like to emphasize that such models Toyota Corolla, Honda Civic, Honda Accord, Toyota Camry, Honda Odyssey, Honda CR-V , Toyota Highlander and Toyota RAV4.
It is an excellent tool for decision-making MSN Autos. Follow the link "My research" where you can choose a few different models and compare their scores for reliability, fuel consumption, price, etc. (registration required).
Automatic or manual
Cars with manual transmission are cheaper. They are more powerful and more economical. A manual transmission is also more reliable than an automatic. The drivers experienced manual transmissions will tell you they like the way it allows the driver to feel "closer" to the car. It's just more fun! However, there remains much work to drive such a vehicle, and can be particularly difficult for the beginner. But do not be afraid. You can learn to drive such a vehicle within a few days. It is not as difficult as it sounds.
It is much easier to drive a car with automatic transmission. Automatic transmission is more practical in a city, in traffic jams, etc. But this is a more complex and breaks more often. The repair of an automatic transmission is complex and tends to be very costly. Regarding energy efficiency, a car with an automatic transmission consumes an average of 1.3 times more fuel than the same type of car with a manual transmission. When you buy a used car, the automatic transmission is one of the most important parts to verify - How to verify a transmission
Given a car with a diesel engine
Cars with diesel engines consume nearly half less fuel than the same car with a gasoline engine. However, there is a price to pay: diesel engines are a bit noisy and there will still not very pleasant smell of exhaust. Some diesel vehicles need only synthetic oil which means higher costs for maintenance. There are few diesel cars currently available in North America: Volkswagen and Mercedes-Benz. However, with the constant improvement of diesel technology and increasing fuel prices more cars coming May.
Four or six-cylinder
Four-cylinder engines usually provide better fuel economy, but V6 and V8 generally have more power and just over sustainability. The V6 (or V8) engine will be a good choice if you want to use your car towing a trailer. For city normal driving, a four-cylinder engine will do.
Do I need ABS?
The four-wheel ABS or anti-lock Braking System is designed to help the driver maintain steering control during braking, especially in slippery conditions. How it works:
Imagine you are driving a car without ABS on a slippery road (for example after a rain or snow). Suddenly, you notice something on the road just in front of you. You click on the brakes and try to divert, but management does not work, just the car skids out of control. Why, because all the wheels are locked up while you're holding down the brake pedal. Therefore, you lose the ability to steer the vehicle.
From braking on snow without ABS
The four-wheel ABS can help in situations like this. It prevents the wheels locking up, helping you maintain direction during braking. In a similar situation, driving a car with four-wheel ABS, it would be easier for you to direct your vehicle braking.
If the slippery road conditions are common in your area, the ABS May be useful if you use it properly. The disadvantage is that ABS is fairly complicated device and can be expensive to repair.
Essential to know:
-- The four-wheel ABS system can help reduce slightly the braking distance in certain situations. However, under certain conditions (for example on the loose snow or gravel), the braking distance May be longer. The main objective of four-wheel ABS is to help the driver maintain steering capability when braking.
Is it worth buying a car "as is"?
I do not advice to buy such a car, even if the price seems to be very cheap and here is why:
Usually used as the car needs a lot more that repairs May, it seems at first glance. Just another example:
One of my friends bought a Honda twelve years. "It was drivable, but" minor body repair "is necessary. It is very cheap if - $ 1200. During the test safety problems were discovered and he had to spend another $ 600 for the brakes and suspension. To pass emission cost him more than $ 350 for new catalytic converter and developed. From repair bodywork added $ 500 on top. And after a week of driving another problem arose when - not in a compression of the bottle. Another stole $ 700 immediately. Finally, the total cost was nearly $ 4,000 (plus new audio system, battery, etc.) and nobody knows what and when will be broken next because usually once the car starts to have problems, it never ends .
For that money, he can buy much better car in perfect condition and certified emission tested without hassles and headaches. In conclusion, I suggest you look not for the cheapest car available
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PZEVs & Hybrids
Toyota Prius
PZEVs, partial or zero emission vehicles, including the now familiar Toyota Prius and more than a dozen other vehicles. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced these vehicles as the "first fruit of the California zero-emission, the programme and from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine and California have enacted laws on emissions, PZEVs are available in the North as well.
2004 Honda Civic
Car companies are promoting these cars to have better performance and sales prove that the performance has increased so has popularity. The Honda Civic Hybrid, for example, outside gas accelerates its own version and it also requires fewer stops at the gas station. The public demand for the new Toyota Prius, which receives more than 50 miles per gallon, has exceeded production since it was introduced at the 2001 Tour de Sol.
2004 Nissan Sentra PZEV
Hybrids and PZEVs look like ordinary cars, but under the hood, they have sophisticated technology that reduces health-threatening exhaust emissions by 90%, and evaporative emissions (gas vapors that escape for the Food tank) to nearly zero. PZEVs generally costs about $ 200 more than their conventional counterparts. Hybrids, which increase the conventional gasoline engine with an electric drive system, usually an additional cost $ 4000, but it can be recovered by a $ 2000 federal tax credit and fuel savings. Three sedans hybrids have been marketed for several years. This year, choice of vehicles will be considerably expanded. Auto companies have announced plans to introduce six new hybrid vehicles, sedans and pick-up sport utility vehicles, by the end of this year.
CARB claims that PZEVs gas so efficiently that their exhaust is cleaner than the air in some areas of smog. PZEVs can help reduce urban smog, which have caused an epidemic of asthma, and costs the nation billions of dollars annually in health care costs. It is estimated that more than 140000 PZEVs will be on the road this year in California alone.
Cars for people who want to get off of oil or mitigation of climate change even more
Climate change is no longer a theory, it is a scientifically proven fact. Thirty per cent of emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main source of global climate change, are transport. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce CO2 emissions from your car. The easiest option is to seek more fuel-efficient hybrid and PZEV vehicle. CO2 emissions are directly proportional to the amount of gasoline you use, if a 50 mpg car emits only half the CO2 emissions of 25 mpg car.
You can reduce your CO2emissions even more if you fed your vehicle with an "alternative fuel" as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid propane (LPG), biodiesel, ethanol or. These fuels have the added benefit of reducing, often to nearly zero, the use of oil, more than 50% is imported. Let's look at every option to alternative fuel.
Biodiesel, a preferred fuel in the bus and trucking industry, is gaining in popularity in the private sector. Biodiesel is produced from an oil-rich plants such as soybeans, and can be used in a conventional diesel engine. Because it is thick cold, and ignites at a lower temperature than diesel, it is generally mixed with diesel in cold climates. B20, the usual mixture is 20% biodiesel and 80% diesel, while 100% biodiesel (B100) can be purchased. In addition, waste cooking oil can be run in a diesel vehicle if you have an additional tank and other simple changes. There are several conversion kits on the market.
B100 will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 77% (because the plants where increasingly take the CO2 from the atmosphere) and reduce dependence on foreign oil by 68% (unless the plants are grown without chemical fertilizers and tractors run on biodiesel, in which case 100% reduction could theoretically be reached.) B20 reduces CO2 emissions by 28% and the use of fossil fuels by 13%. If biodiesel is an excellent opportunity to use kitchen waste and surplus soybean oil, many are concerned that if the crops were grown specifically for fuel production as food production land would be displaced and degraded.
A Ford truck CNG
Compressed natural gas is becoming more accessible for many people with the introduction of the Phill, the home refueling station produced by FuelMaker. Compressed natural gas vehicles were widely used in Canada and Australia. In this country, they were used more widely by businesses that have a fleet of ten or more vehicles. These companies typically install a station CNG fueling their facilities so that they can easily refuel. CNG is a natural state, clean combustion of fossil fuels. It emits 13% less CO2 that even a low fuel consumption vehicles, but for consumers to find fuel was difficult, especially since driving range is usually less than a conventional petrol vehicle. Now, with Phill on the market, if you have a house with a natural gas utility, you can refuel your car at home during the night. Honda offers a version of their CNG Civic, Ford offers a CNG pick-up, and there are several vans on the market.
Ethanol has been widely used in Brazil for decades. Ethanol is an alcohol made from plant material that has a high sugar content. In Brazil, waste production of sugar is the main raw material. In this country, corn is usually used, if research is underway on the potential of other waste plant materials to produce ethanol at lower cost. A favorite of farmers in the Midwest, ethanol is usually blended with gasoline. E85 is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.
DaimlerChrysler The Town and Country van can run on ethanol (E85) or gasoline.
Ethanol is commonly used in "flex-fuel" vehicles-vehicles that can be run on gasoline or ethanol. It is estimated that 2.5 million ethanol flex-fuel vehicles are in service to USA today, but only a small percentage are actually using ethanol. E85 reduces CO2 emissions by 22%, and reduced use of fossil fuels by 34%.
Propane. The last alternative fuel is propane. Propane, a byproduct of natural gas production and petroleum refining, is used by the fleet of vehicles. It is estimated that there are about 275000 propane-powered vehicles to the USA today. Propane can reduce CO2 emissions by 15%, but does not reduce the use of fossil fuels.
For all other powered vehicles, the availability of fuel is the biggest challenge. The Department of Energy supports an "Alternative Fuel find a website with all the other publicly available refueling stations in the USA, but call ahead because they often have limited hours of opening.
A glance at the Crystal Ball
GM Hy-wire, a prototype fuel cell vehicle built on his skateboard chassis revolutionary
GM Hydrogen3 prototype mini --
Hydrogen: hydrogen vehicles have been much in the news, and have many attractive features. They have the potential to make a choice of fuel non-issue, because hydrogen can be produced from virtually all types of fuel. All companies have hydrogen car prototype vehicles, but do not expect in the showroom anytime soon, because there are still many technical challenges to the storage and transport of hydrogen and its use in internal combustion engines or fuel cell vehicles
Hydrogen benefits on the environment and its ability to compete on the market will be determined by how it is made. Hydrogen can be made by electrolysis, using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. If electricity to hydrogen were produced by wind, solar, or other zero-emission fuels, we could produce environmentally friendly zero-emission hydrogen, but many feel this n ' is not economically feasible .. If, however, were made using electricity from power today, costly CO2 emissions increase and we need to build new power plants to produce enough electricity to meet demand for hydrogen. Hydrogen can also be extracted from other substances which have a high content of hydrogen, such as natural gas-many people feel this is the best approach, but it does not receive close to us using fossil fuels not renewable, or take CO2 emissions to zero.
Electric vehicles: Like hydrogen, electricity can be produced from any fuel, and as hydrogen, electricity is as clean as the fuels used to create it. For example, if a car was on electricity produced from today's coal, CO2 emissions would be greater than those of gasoline car. But if electricity from wind and solar, CO2 emissions would approach zero. Most cars have tried to produce full-size electric vehicles that meet consumer demand for a car that can be quickly fuel and have at least 250 miles driving range. However, electric vehicles are becoming popular in niche markets such as airports, mines and warehouses, and small electric vehicles are entering the consumer market. Some people believe that the battery technology advance more rapidly to a point where full-size electric vehicles could play an important role in the consumer market and use more efficiently than hydrogen vehicles. Only time will tell.
How to find the car of your needs
During the next year or two most cars on the showroom will have information on emissions, in addition to fuel economy information on the sticker on the car. In the meantime, here are some excellent Web sites where you can do some homework before you visit your local dealer. At NESEA Green Car Club you can link to all these resources, and discuss with people who have already taken precedence. Here is a short list of the most important resources you find www.GreenCarClub.org.
PZEVs and hybrids: To keep abreast of new models CARB see the website of www. Arb.ca.gov.
Also, when buying a vehicle PZEV, be sure to ask the seller if the model you're looking for is a PZEV, or the model without reducing emissions added.
The Whole Enchilada: For those who want to look at all the environmental impact of their vehicle, taking into account manufacturing and disposal and fuel use, ACEEE's Green Guide is the best resource. This excellent book (also on the web) the
Toyota Prius
PZEVs, partial or zero emission vehicles, including the now familiar Toyota Prius and more than a dozen other vehicles. The California Air Resources Board (CARB) announced these vehicles as the "first fruit of the California zero-emission, the programme and from New York, New Jersey, Massachusetts, Vermont, Maine and California have enacted laws on emissions, PZEVs are available in the North as well.
2004 Honda Civic
Car companies are promoting these cars to have better performance and sales prove that the performance has increased so has popularity. The Honda Civic Hybrid, for example, outside gas accelerates its own version and it also requires fewer stops at the gas station. The public demand for the new Toyota Prius, which receives more than 50 miles per gallon, has exceeded production since it was introduced at the 2001 Tour de Sol.
2004 Nissan Sentra PZEV
Hybrids and PZEVs look like ordinary cars, but under the hood, they have sophisticated technology that reduces health-threatening exhaust emissions by 90%, and evaporative emissions (gas vapors that escape for the Food tank) to nearly zero. PZEVs generally costs about $ 200 more than their conventional counterparts. Hybrids, which increase the conventional gasoline engine with an electric drive system, usually an additional cost $ 4000, but it can be recovered by a $ 2000 federal tax credit and fuel savings. Three sedans hybrids have been marketed for several years. This year, choice of vehicles will be considerably expanded. Auto companies have announced plans to introduce six new hybrid vehicles, sedans and pick-up sport utility vehicles, by the end of this year.
CARB claims that PZEVs gas so efficiently that their exhaust is cleaner than the air in some areas of smog. PZEVs can help reduce urban smog, which have caused an epidemic of asthma, and costs the nation billions of dollars annually in health care costs. It is estimated that more than 140000 PZEVs will be on the road this year in California alone.
Cars for people who want to get off of oil or mitigation of climate change even more
Climate change is no longer a theory, it is a scientifically proven fact. Thirty per cent of emissions of carbon dioxide (CO2), the main source of global climate change, are transport. Fortunately, there are several ways to reduce CO2 emissions from your car. The easiest option is to seek more fuel-efficient hybrid and PZEV vehicle. CO2 emissions are directly proportional to the amount of gasoline you use, if a 50 mpg car emits only half the CO2 emissions of 25 mpg car.
You can reduce your CO2emissions even more if you fed your vehicle with an "alternative fuel" as compressed natural gas (CNG), liquid propane (LPG), biodiesel, ethanol or. These fuels have the added benefit of reducing, often to nearly zero, the use of oil, more than 50% is imported. Let's look at every option to alternative fuel.
Biodiesel, a preferred fuel in the bus and trucking industry, is gaining in popularity in the private sector. Biodiesel is produced from an oil-rich plants such as soybeans, and can be used in a conventional diesel engine. Because it is thick cold, and ignites at a lower temperature than diesel, it is generally mixed with diesel in cold climates. B20, the usual mixture is 20% biodiesel and 80% diesel, while 100% biodiesel (B100) can be purchased. In addition, waste cooking oil can be run in a diesel vehicle if you have an additional tank and other simple changes. There are several conversion kits on the market.
B100 will reduce emissions of greenhouse gases by 77% (because the plants where increasingly take the CO2 from the atmosphere) and reduce dependence on foreign oil by 68% (unless the plants are grown without chemical fertilizers and tractors run on biodiesel, in which case 100% reduction could theoretically be reached.) B20 reduces CO2 emissions by 28% and the use of fossil fuels by 13%. If biodiesel is an excellent opportunity to use kitchen waste and surplus soybean oil, many are concerned that if the crops were grown specifically for fuel production as food production land would be displaced and degraded.
A Ford truck CNG
Compressed natural gas is becoming more accessible for many people with the introduction of the Phill, the home refueling station produced by FuelMaker. Compressed natural gas vehicles were widely used in Canada and Australia. In this country, they were used more widely by businesses that have a fleet of ten or more vehicles. These companies typically install a station CNG fueling their facilities so that they can easily refuel. CNG is a natural state, clean combustion of fossil fuels. It emits 13% less CO2 that even a low fuel consumption vehicles, but for consumers to find fuel was difficult, especially since driving range is usually less than a conventional petrol vehicle. Now, with Phill on the market, if you have a house with a natural gas utility, you can refuel your car at home during the night. Honda offers a version of their CNG Civic, Ford offers a CNG pick-up, and there are several vans on the market.
Ethanol has been widely used in Brazil for decades. Ethanol is an alcohol made from plant material that has a high sugar content. In Brazil, waste production of sugar is the main raw material. In this country, corn is usually used, if research is underway on the potential of other waste plant materials to produce ethanol at lower cost. A favorite of farmers in the Midwest, ethanol is usually blended with gasoline. E85 is 85% ethanol and 15% gasoline.
DaimlerChrysler The Town and Country van can run on ethanol (E85) or gasoline.
Ethanol is commonly used in "flex-fuel" vehicles-vehicles that can be run on gasoline or ethanol. It is estimated that 2.5 million ethanol flex-fuel vehicles are in service to USA today, but only a small percentage are actually using ethanol. E85 reduces CO2 emissions by 22%, and reduced use of fossil fuels by 34%.
Propane. The last alternative fuel is propane. Propane, a byproduct of natural gas production and petroleum refining, is used by the fleet of vehicles. It is estimated that there are about 275000 propane-powered vehicles to the USA today. Propane can reduce CO2 emissions by 15%, but does not reduce the use of fossil fuels.
For all other powered vehicles, the availability of fuel is the biggest challenge. The Department of Energy supports an "Alternative Fuel find a website with all the other publicly available refueling stations in the USA, but call ahead because they often have limited hours of opening.
A glance at the Crystal Ball
GM Hy-wire, a prototype fuel cell vehicle built on his skateboard chassis revolutionary
GM Hydrogen3 prototype mini --
Hydrogen: hydrogen vehicles have been much in the news, and have many attractive features. They have the potential to make a choice of fuel non-issue, because hydrogen can be produced from virtually all types of fuel. All companies have hydrogen car prototype vehicles, but do not expect in the showroom anytime soon, because there are still many technical challenges to the storage and transport of hydrogen and its use in internal combustion engines or fuel cell vehicles
Hydrogen benefits on the environment and its ability to compete on the market will be determined by how it is made. Hydrogen can be made by electrolysis, using electricity to split water into hydrogen and oxygen. If electricity to hydrogen were produced by wind, solar, or other zero-emission fuels, we could produce environmentally friendly zero-emission hydrogen, but many feel this n ' is not economically feasible .. If, however, were made using electricity from power today, costly CO2 emissions increase and we need to build new power plants to produce enough electricity to meet demand for hydrogen. Hydrogen can also be extracted from other substances which have a high content of hydrogen, such as natural gas-many people feel this is the best approach, but it does not receive close to us using fossil fuels not renewable, or take CO2 emissions to zero.
Electric vehicles: Like hydrogen, electricity can be produced from any fuel, and as hydrogen, electricity is as clean as the fuels used to create it. For example, if a car was on electricity produced from today's coal, CO2 emissions would be greater than those of gasoline car. But if electricity from wind and solar, CO2 emissions would approach zero. Most cars have tried to produce full-size electric vehicles that meet consumer demand for a car that can be quickly fuel and have at least 250 miles driving range. However, electric vehicles are becoming popular in niche markets such as airports, mines and warehouses, and small electric vehicles are entering the consumer market. Some people believe that the battery technology advance more rapidly to a point where full-size electric vehicles could play an important role in the consumer market and use more efficiently than hydrogen vehicles. Only time will tell.
How to find the car of your needs
During the next year or two most cars on the showroom will have information on emissions, in addition to fuel economy information on the sticker on the car. In the meantime, here are some excellent Web sites where you can do some homework before you visit your local dealer. At NESEA Green Car Club you can link to all these resources, and discuss with people who have already taken precedence. Here is a short list of the most important resources you find www.GreenCarClub.org.
PZEVs and hybrids: To keep abreast of new models CARB see the website of www. Arb.ca.gov.
Also, when buying a vehicle PZEV, be sure to ask the seller if the model you're looking for is a PZEV, or the model without reducing emissions added.
The Whole Enchilada: For those who want to look at all the environmental impact of their vehicle, taking into account manufacturing and disposal and fuel use, ACEEE's Green Guide is the best resource. This excellent book (also on the web) the
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